Chet Holmgren isn’t focused on a potential DPOI win

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren reacted to winning Defensive Player of the Month after beating the Golden State Warriors 131-94 on Friday. Holmgren finished 2025 with 12 blocks in three Thunder wins, as the defending champions extended their winning streak to four games.

During Holmgren’s postgame media availability, he addressed what individual recognitions mean a lot to him amid the Thunder’s pursuit of back-to-back championships.

“It’s cool, but like, I don’t know, we’re in the middle of the season. I’m not too big on individual awards when we’re chasing what we’re trying to chase. Obviously, I never take anything for granted,” Holmgren said. “It’s very much appreciated. And it’s great to recognize the hard work, but I’d say it’s cool, but we’ve got bigger things that we’re more excited about. We were able to win tonight, and that’s what I’m excited about.”

This is Chet Holmgren’s first Defensive Player of the Month for the Thunder. He helped Oklahoma City to a 9-4 record while averaging 18.3 points on 59.6% shooting, including 46.2% from deep, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks. His 18 shots at the rim led the NBA during December, and his 24 total blocks ranked second in the Western Conference.

The Thunder currently rank first in the NBA in defensive rating (14.5), first in points per game (18.1) and first in turnovers per game (24.7). Holmgren won the DPOM, following Cason Wallace who won the award for November. The Thunder are the first team to beat two players in back-to-back months.

Chet Holmgren praises the Thunder’s defense in the win

In a 124-95 blowout, Chet Holmgren anchored the Thunder’s defense against the Blazers. The cohesiveness on defense has led to an elite defensive team, just as the Thunder entered last season as the league’s best defense.

Holmgren is a major force on the defensive end of the floor for the Thunder, as he discussed the ways in which the defending champions once again leading the league.

“Playing as a unit on that end of the floor, we’re just connected. We’re all flying around. When you do that, you can really speed up teams,” Holmgren said. “But at the same time, you have to be ready to move quickly as well as help each other out because you’re going to give up the lead. When that happens, you just have to be able to cover each other multiple times.”

The Thunder will look to extend their winning streak to five heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Suns.